What is Trimix?

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Trimix is a combination of three separate drugs, which are combined to create a sterile injection used to treat erectile dysfunction, according to The Compounder Pharmacy. It is also known as Triple Mix or Triple Drug. The three ingredients used in Trimix are papavarine, phentolamine and alprostadil, or prostaglandin E-1.

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Papavarine and phentolamine are both used to make blood vessels expand and increase the flow of blood to the penis, thus helping to produce an erection. When these two are used alone, the compound is known as a bi-mix. To create Trimix, alprostadil, or prostaglandin E-1, is added, which helps to control blood pressure, inflammation and muscle contraction.

Trimix is generally compounded by a pharmacy and administered by intracavernosal injection. It is typically frozen and can remain stable this way for up to 6 months. If refrigerated, it lasts for about 1 month.

The Trimix injection is self-administered, with the user alternating between sites on the left and right sides of the penis. Within about 10 to 20 minutes, about 80 percent of men experience an erection which lasts for approximately 20 to 90 minutes, according to The Compounder Pharmacy.

Side effects include a dull ache, bruising, possible lumps or nodules on the penis, dizziness and headaches, and rarely, scarring or plaque. In some rare cases, priapism, or sustained, painful erection, can occur, which requires immediate medical attention but is easily corrected.